Is this enough light

[GynMonkey1044]

I have a 120 gallon aquarium that for a long time was a predator tank but I am in the process of changing it over into a reef tank, the tank is 60 long by 18 wide and I believe 24 tall I will double check the height, the corals I want to keep are in generally on the easy side to keep, mainly assorted mushrooms, polyps (star polys, buttons, etc) and maybe some leathers and colt corals I was trying to avoid buying new light so I was wondering if, a coralife 48 inch 4x65 watt power compact and a 36 inch 2x55 watt power compact would be enough for these types of corals, thanks

[jojo22]

I don't think they would work for anything at the bottom of the tank. 24 inches is a lot of water to penitrate (sp), this is just my opinion but for a tank that deep I would say that t-5 or MH would be needed.

Maybe one of our light gurus will step in here and be able to give you a little more help.

P.S. WELCOME TO CR!!!!!!!!

[spookey]

welcome to cr

[Whoyah]

Those lights would probably be ok to start with but you would need to keep the more light hungy corals higher on the rocks. The shrooms would be fine in bottom. If you upgrade, I would recommend a T5 set-up especially for the mix of corals you are talking about. I really enjoy mine and they are ton cheaper then MH. I am even have good luck with an SPS under T5. If you are a DIY type, you can probably retro your PC lights into T5s. Most of the ballasts are the same.

And welcome aboard.

[GynMonkey1044]

I thought that the power compacts were stronger than the T5's, what is the difference between the t5's and the power compacts, what wattage/size/brand of t5's would you reccomend for my size tank, thanks for all the help

[cweber]

Sorry to but in, but when we went on our trip, we stopped at a lfs and the guy told me the same thing. Pcs are better than t-5s. He says pc have a better wavlength than t-5. Does anyone have any opinions. Everything ive read says t-5 over pc.

[jojo22]

In order of light quality (IMO) NO, PC, VHO, T-5, MH

[cweber]

Thats what ive read before. That guy at the lfs must be crazy, he also said pc were more expensive than t-5. Not anywhere i looked.

[iVgOnMaD]

hes talking bout the bulbs, here in CA thats the way it is.

I agree with JOJO, MH or T5HO

[mutts]

you will want a little more light. you will find that while your corals may live in that light they will lose their bright colors and not be as pretty.